And joseph m



(ModeL) W. AUTENRIETH & J. M.--THURSTON.

SPEGUL'UM.

Patented Apl 4,1882.

Fig.1.

N. PETERS. Fhulo-Lilhognpher, Washington. 01.

25 line y 3 Fig. 3; and Fig. 5 is also a view in UNITED STATES PATENT()FFIGE.

WILLIAM AUTENRIETH, or oINoINNATI, OHIO, AND JOSEPH M. THURSTON,

F HAe-nRsToWN, INDIANA.

SPECULUM.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 255,756, dated April 4,1882.

Application filed December 12, 1881. (ModeL) To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, WILLIAM AUTEN- RIETH, of Cincinnati, Hamiltoncounty, Ohio, and JOSEPH M. THURSTON, of Hagerstown,

Wayne county, Indiana, have invented a new and useful Improvement inspeculums, of which the following is a specification.

Our invention relates chiefly to that class of speculums known asrectum-speculums, and

[O the novelty consists in the construction and combination of theparts, as will be herewith set forth and more specifically claimed.

To more fully illustrate our invention, we will refer to theaccompanying drawings, forming part of our application, in which-Figurel is a view in elevation of our speculum, showing one of thefenestrae with the slide drawn over it, so as to close same. Fig. 2differs only from the first in that the slide is drawn from thefBHGSiItB, leaving it open. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section of thespeculum, and shows the interior of the speculum with one of the slidesdrawn over fenestrze. Fig. 4 is a view in cross-section taken throughthe cross-section taken through the line zzofFig. 3.

A is the body of the speculum. B arethe fenestrte. O is a plug of metal,which in crosssection is round, used for the purpose of keeping theforward end of the slides D in position, and acting as a guide for saidslides in their lateral movement in covering and uncovering thefenestrae. This plug is stationary within the speculum, made so eitherby cast- 5 ing it directly to the top part or by fastening it with apin, as shown, and maybe of any other convenient shape. It also performsanother and Very important function-via, that of gently and painlesslyforcing thewalls of the rectum from the fenestrze when the speculum isbeing withdrawn. Each slide has a pin, p, which works in a slot, 8, thusacting as a guide for the rear or lower portion of the slide in itslateral movement.

5 When it is desired to detach the slide from the speculum in order toobtain a more perfect view of the walls of the rectum, or for otherreasons, it is moved so as to cover the fenestrte, when the pin 19 comesin line with the gradual tapering of the exterior prevents any greatpain being experienced by the person undergoing the operation. When theinsertion is completed one or more of the slides, according tocircumstances, are either moved back or drawn out, as is most desirable.After the fenestrte are opened the walls of the rectum pressing againstthe exterior of the speculum fall into the fenestrte. This enables theoperator to discover the ailment and apply the necessary relief by thesyringe, or whatever mode he deems best to adopt.

As before mentioned, when the slides are removed from the fenestrae thewalls of the rectum press against the exterior of the tube and fall intothe opening left by the said slides.

Now, in withdrawing the speculum from the passage there is danger of thefolds of the rectum which have fallen into the openings becoming bound,pinched, or injured. This, however, is prevented by the plug 0, which,as the tube is withdrawn, comes in contact with the said walls, andgently and painlessly forces them out of the fenestrte, thereby savingmuch annoyance and trouble. Another feature of this plug is that it actsas an interior brace to the tube when it is made of thin material, andserves to insure strength and solidity. f

The slides D, being attached to the interior of the instrument, preventthe wall of rectum 0 from pain or injury while they are being moved ordrawn out, as before mentioned.

We are aware that open-ended speculums having straight sides and withexterior slides have been before proposed, and do not claim 5 suchconstruction; but,

Having thus fully described our invention, we claim- 1. Arectum-speculum having its inserting end closed and rounded and havingits outer end flaring, and provided with longitudinal openings orfenestrae, combined with interior slides capable of both lateral andlongitudinal adjustment to cover and uncover said openings,substantially as described.

2. In a rectum-speculum consisting of a taperin g or straighttube with asmooth, rounded, inserting end, and with longitudinal fenestrae oropenings, the plug 0, constructed as described and arranged within thetube at the upper end, whereby a guide for laterally-adjustable slidesis obtained, and also a means for the painless extraction of thespeculum secured, substantially as described.

3. The slides D, having their rear portion turned so as to conform withthe flare of the tube, and having guide-pinsp,working in slots,

together with the lips that embrace the end of 20 the tube, andset-screws t, as and for the purpose set forth.

WILLIAM AUTENRIETH. J. M. THURSTON.

